Lately

So I can’t almost believe this, but to be honest, I think that it has been years since I have done a “Lately” post on the blog.  (Insert my bulging eyes and shocked face here.)  I had always loved doing these posts as a way to catch you guys up with everything going on in our lives – but for whatever reason, I have just gotten away from doing them.  But since I’ve noticed a bunch of new faces with me on Instagram, and some new friends here on the blog too, I feel like this is the perfect time to play catch-up with you guys.

It’s official, we booked our big Spring / Summer Europe trip, and we honestly couldn’t be more excited.  While our full itinerary is still getting worked out, Montepulciano is definitely on the list.  This will be Ryan’s first time visiting my favorite Tuscan town, and I can’t wait to take him all around, have him try all of the delicious foods, taste the very special Vino Nobile, and of course, meet my Tuscan Mamma Fiorella.

The weather in San Diego has been a lot cooler lately, and probably to no one’s surprise, we’ve loved it.  It has been a welcome change that has given us the chance to enjoy some warmer, more wintry, comforting dishes – like this insanely delicious Shrimp and Tomato Risotto – it is truly one of our all-time favorite recipes, and one that literally takes all of our self control not to eat the entire pot in one sitting.

Although I still haven’t gotten back into a regular running schedule yet (sigh), I have been making a point to just get outside and do something active most days of the week.  And lately, I’ve been finding this time really relaxing and recharging with the addition of listening to the Oprah Winfrey and Deepak Chopra meditation, “Shedding the Weight: Mind, Body and Spirit.”  I’m normally not the “meditating” type, but I’ve found these meditations to be really inspiring, uplifting, and just a really nice addition to my day.

Okay. . .so I know that I’ve been promising to share this for some time now. . .but I promise, I will be sharing it very soon with you – my Dad’s famous Caesar Salad – famous because it is literally the best salad of your life.  Literally.  It is rare that there is anything that I would rather eat more than pasta or pizza, but this is definitely one of those things.

Months ago while visiting my parents, we started a joke with my Mom about “taking the Lake” home.  And while the joke started because we were literally driving along the Lake on our way home, it has evolved into simply meaning that you are taking the long way home.  And funny enough, I’ve been doing a lot of that lately.  Instead of just jumping on the highway and rushing from one place to the next, I’ve been enjoying “taking the Lake” home, and all of the little surprises that come with it.

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So maybe this hasn’t been the most exciting week for us so far, but in a lot of ways, I think that it’s the small moments that we remember the best.  Driving around the block again so that we can pull over and smell the Wisteria, having the time to slowly labor over a pot of risotto while drinking wine and enjoying our go-to movie right now, Ratatouille, or just taking a long walk together.  So however your week unfolds, I hope that you’re able to find joy in all of the small moments that life brings your way.